Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the US Lawyer in Atlantic County, NJ
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 471, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for those facing these charges in Atlantic County.
Federal Counterfeiting Law in New Jersey
Counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the United States is defined under federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 471. This law makes it a crime to falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter any obligation or security of the United States with the intent to defraud. This includes U.S. currency, Treasury bonds, and other government securities. The statute is part of the broader federal criminal code enforced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are maintained by the U.S. Government Publishing Office.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a deep understanding of federal investigative tactics and courtroom strategy to these high-stakes cases.
Official Legal Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 471 (official U.S. Code via govinfo.gov)
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (official court website)
Defending Against Federal Counterfeiting Charges in Atlantic County
Federal counterfeiting investigations in Atlantic County often involve agencies like the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, or Homeland Security Investigations. A key local procedural fact is that these cases are typically indicted by a federal grand jury in Newark or Camden, but proceedings and hearings can occur at the federal courthouse in Camden, which serves South Jersey. The defense must challenge the government’s evidence of intent to defraud and the authenticity of the alleged counterfeit items.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents. Do not speak to them without your lawyer present. Contact our firm immediately.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and challenge the indictment. We will review all forensic reports and government evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: We will negotiate with prosecutors for a reduced charge or sentence. If no fair offer is made, we are prepared to take your case to trial before a federal judge or jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines. We advocate for the most lenient sentence possible, arguing for downward departures based on your history and circumstances.
Potential Penalties for Federal Counterfeiting
In Atlantic County, a conviction for counterfeiting U.S. obligations or securities under 18 U.S.C. § 471 carries a federal prison sentence of up to 20 years, substantial fines, and mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counterfeiting of Obligations or Securities of the U.S. (18 U.S.C. § 471) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, forfeiture of assets, supervised release after prison. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We approach federal counterfeiting charges with a strategic defense built on understanding the forensic evidence and challenging the prosecution’s case at every stage. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides an advantage in dissecting complex financial and technical evidence often present in these cases.
Case Results
While specific results for counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Atlantic County cases are confidential, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We have successfully defended clients against serious federal charges, achieving dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Atlantic County, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients facing federal charges in Atlantic County and throughout the state. We serve communities including Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Hamilton Township, Pleasantville, Hammonton, Absecon, Ventnor, Linwood, Brigantine, and Margate.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US” mean?
It is the federal crime of falsely creating or altering U.S. government financial instruments like currency, bonds, or stamps with intent to defraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 471.
What agency investigates counterfeiting charges?
The U.S. Secret Service has primary jurisdiction for investigating counterfeit currency and securities. The FBI or Homeland Security Investigations may also be involved, especially in complex or organized crime cases.
What are the defenses to a federal counterfeiting charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, challenging the authenticity of the evidence, and arguing that the items were not genuine obligations of the United States. An experienced counterfeit currency defense lawyer Atlantic County can evaluate the best strategy.
Should I talk to federal agents if they contact me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
What should I look for in a counterfeiting charge lawyer Atlantic County?
You need a lawyer with specific experience in federal court, knowledge of the relevant statutes (like 18 U.S.C. § 471), and a track record of handling cases investigated by the Secret Service. Look for a firm that provides 24/7 availability for urgent matters.
Where are these federal cases heard for Atlantic County residents?
Cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Arraignments, hearings, and trials for South Jersey may be held at the federal courthouse in Camden, NJ.
Internal Resources
- New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
- Federal Criminal Lawyer Camden County
- Atlantic County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. The law changes. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding counterfeiting of obligations or securities of the US lawyer Atlantic County matters.